While visiting Badlands and vicinity, we were looking for a good dining spot. Ma Cualli had great reviews, so we decided to give it a try - and it did not disappoint. We ordered margaritas, guacamole, quesabirria tacos, shrimp fajitas, and carne asada tacos. When the food came out, we were taken back with the HUGE potion size and the aroma. Everything was delicious, and packed with flavor. Every dish delivered on taste, making it a meal that was both satisfying and memorable. The value was excellent, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and flexible, adding to the overall experience. The restaurant itself has a great ambiance, with a spacious interior. If you're visiting Rapid City and looking for memorable, authentic Mexican food, Ma Cualli is definitely worth a stop. A great find during our South Dakota adventure. read more

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The giant margaritas are there only to draw you in from the windows. In reality, the drink is quite weak, barely felt anything. In fact, felt more from a glass of Blue Moon beer. I wish drinks were stronger. They don't make any common drinks outside of the menu (asked for a Bloody Mary). We had a cucumber-and-jalapeño margarita and a beer. Limited vegetarian menu. Complimentary salsa and chips were good. read more

Ma Cualli - Cucumber-and-jalapeno margarita and beer. - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

The margaritas were delicious and the pig belly bites were perfect. Crispy on the outside but super tender on the inside. Unfortunately, their steak fajitas left something to be desired. The meat was a little too dry. It was also pretty stringy so we wished they would've served it with tongs. The servers were nice and the food came at a good speed even with the restaurant being busy. We found it a little presumptuous that their digital tip suggestion started at 25% though. read more

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I and four others were there last night, the place was clean and very nice hostess as was our waiter. My major complaint is the noise it was worse than TexasRoad house ,we could not even hear each other from across the table . It sounds very hollow read more

Really probably a 4.5. Can Yelp please allow for scores in between ?Great location. Great atmosphere and decor. Good service. Just had the queso fundido which was great. A lot of places you will just get a generic cheese sauce when you order queso but this had a charred slab of queso fresco on top , the chorizo is included -- most places you pay extra for, and it had nice picked onions on top. Great flavor. Comes with three flour tortillas. My only knock would be the stale chips and mediocre salsa. Seemed like they were most likely a commercial type and not house made. Nice pour on the beer though. read more

Ma Cualli - Queso fundido - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Great service, unbelievable Mexican cuisine. Coming from the southwest, this place is a hidden gem

Customer service was good but the flavors are lacking. I would probably considering this more closely to Tex Mex than Mexican. The salsas are sour and not spicy. First time I came I had a Parilla and the meats were dry and overcooked. This time around I tried the Chile Relleno and the filling was mozzarella instead of Queso Fresco or Panela. The Drinks are great though so I'd come back for that. If you're looking for authentic Mexican I'd look somewhere else. read more

The service was excellent. The food was delicious!! We were skeptical since the mexican food in the North is different from down South. However, we were pleasantly surprised! read more

The food was so incredibly good I visited 2x on my week long visit. The staff are so friendly and made the experience even greater. It's absolutely adorable inside. I wish they would open a location in Ohio. read more

Went here visiting my sister and by the end of the meal we were in and out in less than an hour! I was shook. The restaurant itself is beautiful. Our server was great and friendly. We got queso fundito. It was tasty but the giant chunk of not so melted cheese was not my favorite. My niece got taco and enchilada with queso. She thought the queso was a bit much and mentioned getting the red sauce next time. My sister got steak tacos. BIG filling tacos and their beans were so amazing. Our friend got chicken fajita burrito; very satisfying but I felt lacked some salt. He was happy with his dish. I got the Oaxaca bowl and it had so many things in it I had no idea what I was eating. Tasty, but overwhelming with toppings. So much brisket I could've made my own burrito. As a pretty new restaurant for rapid city, we were impressed! read more

Upon walking in, the restaurant smelled really good! It's a cute spot inside and it wasn't too busy, but it was busy there. My friend and I both ordered Choripollo for dinner, and it was delicious. I ended up taking some back to my hotel because it was so filling. I would recommend this place if you're in the area. read more

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It's definitely a popular spot. We had tried to stop for dinner and couldn't find parking. That seemed to be a good sign so we went the next day for lunch. We were seated immediately. Every one was very friendly. The salsa was delicious. I wouldn't describe this as authentic but it was good. read more

Ma Cualli - Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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We always seek out good Mexican food wherever we go and lucked up with Ma Cualli's! It is so cutely decorated and the hostess was so friendly. Our server was awesome. She was so friendly and attentive! We went at lunchtime so we ordered off the lunch menu - he got chicken fajitas and I got the fajita bowl. The food was tasty and portion size was impressive. I'd go again! read more

Ma Cualli - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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Saturday night in Rapid City with 2 failed 8pm stops, because a lot of places close early here. As people who routinely work til 7 or 730pm, our normal dining time is between 8 & 830. We pulled up & this place was SLAMMED. We almost drove on but decided we'd spend as much time looking for a new option as we would waiting. We were advised 45min wait or, if willing to take the bar, we would be next in line. We opted for the bar. I'm glad we did for both the shorter wait & the observation opportunity. We were seated within 5 minutes. Margarita dispensers galore, sure- but we ordered Vida Oaxaca x2 after watching these guys juicing the fresh fruit to order. For food, we decided to order 1 app (Queso Fundida) & 1 meal (Arrachera - a 10oz skirt steak with mushrooms, onion & rice) to share. It's was STILL too much food. We took about half home. We didn't fill up on Chips & Salsa because there wasn't time to. The food was QUICK & absolutely delicious, with some stand out dishes on top of the usual, expected ones. Our bill came to $53, not bad for 2 FRESH JUICE cocktails & dinner/ hotel breakfast for 2! - a big fat 5 read more

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It was a bit loud but that was understandable because the place was packed. Excellent pina colada and the meals were stellar as well. Server was attentive though soooo busy. read more

What a great experience. Joined the waitlist electronically, l checked in and was told we could sit at the bar immediately. Being 6 pm on Labor Day Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised that a spot was ready for me 20 minutes after I joined the waitlist...ETA was 30-40 minutes. We ordered a Fajita Bowl with Chicken and Steak Street Tacos. Great flavor, just the right amount of heat. They're definitely not afraid to use spice, it was so good to see and taste. The bar was a well-oiled machine; instead of a bartender doing double duty with orders/food and making drinks, they have wait staff taking orders and the bartender was slinging drinks. It was great to see such an organized bar area being commanded by a Maestro, I think the bartender's name was Jose. Excellent experience all-around, some of the best Mexican food I've had in years. read more

Ma Cualli - Chicken Fajita Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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Every single thing we ate was amazing. Margaritas were delicious and huge, perfect amount of tequila. Service wonderful. Can be a bit of a wait at busy times but it is 110% worth the weight. read more

Ma Cualli - Taco flight - ribeye, Al pastor, barria - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Everything about what they do is terrific. The service is amazing after you order it is plated and on your table in 10 minutes. The atmosphere is fantastic and you can carry on a conversation. Not to mention the food is authentic. read more

Service and food were both amazing, the Seafood Chimichanga was best ever as were the drinks

Fantastic everything! We tried the margarita flights and every flavor was so good. I'm glad we got to try the different ones, tasted refreshing and just the right amount of alcohol. I had pork tacos and husband had burrito that had cheese on top. Both were sooooo goood. The portions are big so you can def share. We also got guacamole and they freshly make it! Over all we were blown away by the service! It's pricey, but you def get your moneys worth. Will visit again if ever in SD. read more

We really enjoyed Ma Cualli! The food was outstanding! I had the combination chicken taco & enchilada. I eat a LOT of Mexican food and this ranked in the top of places I've tried. Food was served on a hot iron plate within a wooden tray, which kept the food warm. We sat at the bar (was not first come first serve) and the wait staff was very prompt and friendly. This is a new place and it was very crowded on a Tuesday. The place has a modern vibe and it's very nice inside. Margaritas were very tasty! We had the Resposado, which had pineapple and orange juices. read more

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We are from out of town and craving "real" Mexican. We searched and this place came up. Oh my goodness! It was sooooo good! Deep flavors, wonderful atmosphere, and very generous portions. You will not be disappointed! I got the Traditional Ma cualli and a flight of margaritas. Yes! Yes! Yes! The place was packed so use the Join Waitlist feature. Definitely recommend! read more

Ma Cualli - Traditional Ma Cualli - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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Really good food, huge portions and beautiful appetizing presentation. Excellent service. Our server Ahmed is very nice and helpful in giving us food and drink recommendations. The place is open and spacious with plenty of parking. I highly recommend this place. Special shoutout to our server Ahmed. He deserves a raise! read more

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This place is awesome - Just want Rapid City needed. The family that owns this restaurant puts so much effort into making sure all aspects for your visit goes well. You can check in on the wait list online, which i HIGHLY recommend on a Friday or Saturday night. Website to join waitlist: https://ma-cualli.com/ The taco platter feeds up to 3 people and is a great deal. You have to get the table size guacamole, it's so yummy! Their margaritas are strong, and they have many many options. They do not have patio seating and the seating indoors isn't too big. There is about 20 bar seats though so the waitlist goes pretty quickly! read more

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We were visiting family in Rapid and heard that this place was worth a try. Sure glad we did. Came around 3pm on a Friday and had no wait. We were hungry, and the platters so were big, we were overstuffed. The house nachos and salsa were warm and crisp- tasty, and free as they should be (despite that some restaurants have started charging for this). Hubby had the chicken burrito and it was full of chicken. I had the shrimp tacos and the shrimp were cooked perfectly, seasoned mildly and well, and tasted fresh (not thawed). The bean had a little something different than plain refried beans, and were good, as was the seasoned rice. The house Margarita was large and also really good. The prices are good and reasonable, and the atmosphere is well spaced and light with a clear view of the bar and the kitchen. Glad to see a great Mexican restaurant in Rapid. We'll go again! read more

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Ma Cualli is my absolute favorite mexican restaurant in Rapid City. My family goes here as often as we can. I have tried a lot of different dishes and have never had one I don't like. My favorite is the Walleye Street Tacos. I am a margarita snob and theirs are great. Service is always quick and servers are wonderful. We even had to try the new location on grand opening day. Just as good as the original location. read more

Ma Cualli - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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We sat outside around 2pm and were greeted quickly with chips & salsa. Their salsa is really good! The ice water comes with cucumber slices - nice touch! My chicken street tacos and rice were delicious. My husband really liked his chicken enchilada. It was warm today but we noticed they have big heaters for outdoor dining. Portions are generous. Our server checked on us frequently. Whomever is running this place puts a lot of thought into every aspect. We'll be back! read more

Ma Cualli - Chicken enchilada with rice & beans - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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Amazing food, great drinks, great service! Cant beat it! Such a great vibe too! We tried the taco flights which provided so much food. We ate the leftovers for two meals! read more

Ma Cualli - Taco flight! - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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This place is THE GREATEST! Wonderful service and the staff is always friendly. The food was superb!! Highly recommended! read more

Drinks are good but the food is horrible! Ate there tonight after an hour wait. My tamale was all corn very little meat. Chili relano was tasteless. All of the dishes looked the same. Crazy busy, very little attention from our waiter. Our table of 5 had two dishes come out then two more and finally the 5th entree came out. Will definitely not come here again. read more

We have been here a few times while in town. Food has always been good and quick. Very nice building. Great service. read more

Ma Cualli - Good chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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From the salsa, drinks, dinner to the dessert, everything tasted great with fair prices. Ambiance too was fun and appreciated the friendly service and decor! Oaxaca Old Fashion was muy bueno! read more

The food was delicious and the portions were large. Our server was attentive and made sure we had what we needed. We will definitely return.

We are from out of state and stopped here while returning to Custer State Park from rhe Badlands. All i can say is WOW! I wish we had one of rhese near me in CT. A Spicy Margarita is not on the menu, but they made three of them for our party of five that were spot on fantastic. The food and atmosphere was completely awesome.. read more

Ma Cualli - Spicy Margarita..... Not on tje menu. - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

So glad this place opened here, the food and drinks are amazing. my go to is the ribeye tacos, the steak literally melts in your mouth. The wait can get really long at dinner time, so be sure to join the wait list on line. The atmosphere is great, I feel comfortable here both casual or dressed up. Another winner. read more

Cozy, warm and pleasant atmosphere. Super friendly staff, prompt greetings and service. The carnitas tacos were good, but the beans (on the side) were the most unique I've had at a Mexican restaurant. They were actually seasoned! The rice was also cooked and seasoned well. Overall, definitely would recommend. read more

Ma Cualli - Marg flight (2 were frozen and 2 on the rocks). - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

I ordered the taco salad and the lettuce had a lot of water in it and it came with a couple of condiments to add to the top. It was a very poor addition of a taco salad I would not recommend it. Their app does not hold reservations correctly. They cancelled ours, but in the end made it ok. Not my recommendation read more

It's our first time in South Dakota and we were looking for some good food. Our Lyft driver recommended Ma Cualli. This place was really nice and busy! Although we only had a 15min wait, we decided to just sit at the bar. The waitress & waiter, and bartenders were very attentive. Now the drinks were good, but the food was . I love good authentic Mexican food and this place did not disappoint! Good food, service, and price! Highly recommended 10/10! read more

I went here for lunch by myself. They seemed busy during lunch time but the service was very quick and attentive. I ordered beef enchilada and taco. I was warned by my coworker that food is Rapid city would be more salty than I usually have (I'm Vietnamese and from Seattle). And I agreed! Their food a bit too salty compare to other places that means I wouldn't super enjoy the food. It's just the common taste around the area so I accepted that. My dish came out hot and looked delicious. They also have free chips and salsa. The restaurant itself is clean, modern design, have big tables for large group. Kitchen looks clean and staff was very professional. Plenty free parking in front building. read more

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The service was absolutely wonderful! The food was perfect! Our group of six had a great evening! It was well worth the wait to be seated. :-) read more

Ma Cualli - Steak Fajita for two, with one of them to go. - Mexican Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota